Features Industry Profiles

Keetgi Kogan
Monkey Business
Santa Monica, Calif.

1. When and how did you start working in this business?
I have always had a passion for paper and I have been making stationery by hand for friends and family for years. However, after having kids I decided to finally take a class in letterpress printing at the Otis College of Art & Design and immediately fell in love with the entire letterpress process. A few months later I was able to buy my own press and set-up shop in my garage. I have been designing and printing non-stop ever since!

2. What is your signature style?
I would have to say that my style is very minimalist. I try to convey as much information as I can with the fewest possible lines. Usually, the most concise statement is the most powerful and evocative.

3. What are your most popular offerings?
I mostly do custom work but my most popular pre-printed items by far are my Fill in the Blank Thank You Notes. These are designed for kids and take all the grunt work out of thank you note writing. My own kids use them all the time.

4. Please share the direction your line will be taking.
I really love using humor in my work. I recently created a set of Mother’s Day cards that are hilarious, even if I do say so myself!

5. What are your top three tips for success?
My three tips would have to be: perseverance, resilience and self-confidence. This business is not easy, but believe in yourself and your ideas and keep trying even when you feel like giving up.